Unemployment rate on decline; does not mean more people have jobs

Unemployment rates decreased in 72 of Ohio's 88 counties, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service, including Highland County. 

In August, Highland County had a reported rate of 15 percent. According to statics released Tuesday for the month of September, the county rate was listed at 14.4 percent. However, Highland County still has one of the highest jobless rates in the state, second only to Clinton County at 15.7 percent. 

Ohio's 86th House District is comprised of the three counties with the highest unemployment rates, with Pike County third at 13.4 percent. 

In other surrounding counties, Adams is at 12.2; Ross is at 10.5 percent, Brown is at 10.4 percent, and Fayette is at 10.3 percent.

Debbie Robbins, executive director of the Highland County Department of Job and Family Services, said that while the numbers seem to be a positive reflection of the state of the county, they can also be misleading as the decrease could be a result of people losing their benefits without securing employment. 

"My view hasn't changed a lot of the past few months," Robbins said. "I think there are some job availabilities, so people are finding some employment. But I also think it could be a decrease due to the loss of benefits. It's kind of a positive and kind of a negative situation.